In the opening race, the Supreme Novice Hurdle, he looks to hold a particularly strong hand. Spirit Son and Sprinter Sacre have both won two novice hurdles this season and they have not come off the bridle in doing so.
The latter of the pair was beaten on his first start over obstacles at Ascot, however that run came over 2-miles 3-furlongs, and he might also have needed the outing. Since returning to 2-miles though the Carloine Mould owned gelding has looked right out of the top drawer and he could prove the stables number contender for the festival opener and anyone looking to bet on Cheltenham 2011 .
Spirit Son was the trainer’s novice hurdler who came into the season with the big reputation and nothing he has done on the racecourse has damaged that opinion. He has won twice at Huntingdon and Exeter and his second win at the Devon track saw him destroy a field of promising sorts. The one concern about Spirit Son is that he could be betrayed by his lack of experience at the festival, by winning on the bridle in both those outings he hasn’t been in a battle and it isn’t likely he’ll win at the Festival on the steel.
Henderson hit the bar in the Supreme last year, his Oscar Whisky loomed up looking like the winner two furlongs from home, but like Spirit Son he hadn’t been off the bridle in his previous wins and his lack of experience put pay to his chance.
It is a concern that lightning could strike twice, but it is unlikely that Henderson would swap his team for any other contenders in the race.
Meanwhile, there are currently four horses contesting favouritism in the Grand National betting and the race, which takes place on April 9th, looks set to be very close indeed.
Tags: cheltenham 2011, cheltenham festival, nicky henderson trainer, spirit son horseShare
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